Fabrication of See-Through Near Eye Optical Module and Ophthalmic Lens

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to a see-through near eye optical module that in most cases is fabricated as a standalone unit. The see-through near eye optical module is in certain embodiments then placed in optical communication and alignment with an eyewear lens having appropriate optical power such that when a wearer thereof looks through the see-through near eye optical module he or she can see a real world image and virtual image clearly. In other embodiments the appropriate optical power is provided in the rear section of the see-through near eye optical module. Thus, the combination of both the see-through near eye optical module and the appropriate optical power provides the wearer with a clear augmented reality or mixed reality experience. The placement can be by way of positioning within an open notch, hole, groove, recess, or other section of an eyewear lens.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation-in-part and relies on thedisclosures of and claims priority to and the benefit of the filing dateof U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/449,395 filed Jun. 22, 2019,which claims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/289,623filed Feb. 28, 2019, which claims priority to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 16/008,707 filed Jun. 14, 2018, which claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 15/994,595 filed May 31, 2018, as well as thefollowing U.S. Provisional Patent Applications, with filing dates andtitles, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entireties.

62/694,222 filed on Jul. 5, 2018: Optimizing Micro-Lens Array for usewith TOLED for Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality62/700,621 filed on Jul. 19, 2018: LC Switchable See-Through TOLEDOptical Combiner for Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality62/700,632 filed on Jul. 19, 2018: Improved See-Through TOLED OpticalCombiner for Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality62/703,909 filed on Jul. 27, 2018: Near Eye See-Through Display OpticalCombiner for Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality62/703,911 filed on Jul. 27, 2018: LC Switchable Near Eye See-ThroughDisplay Combiner for Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality62/711,669 filed on Jul. 30, 2018: Near Eye See-Through Display OpticalCombiner Comprising LC Switchable Lensing System for Augmented Realityor Mixed Reality62/717,424 filed on Aug. 10, 2018: Near Eye See-Through Display OpticalCombiner for Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality and HMD62/720,113 filed on Aug. 20, 2018: Sparsely Populated Near Eye DisplayOptical Combiner and Static Micro-Optic Array for AR and MR62/720,116 filed on Aug. 21, 2018: Sparsely Populated Near Eye DisplayOptical Combiner for AR and MR62/728,251 filed on Sep. 7, 2018: Figures For Eyewear Comprising aSee-Through Eye Display Optical Combiner62/732,039 filed on Sep. 17, 2018: Eyewear Comprising a DynamicSee-Through Near Eye Display Optical Combiner62/732,138 filed on Sep. 17, 2018: Binocular See-Through Near EyeDisplay Optical Combiner62/739,904 filed on Oct. 2, 2018: See-Through Near Eye Display OpticalCombiner Module and Attachment Mean62/739,907 filed on Oct. 2, 2018: Dynamic See-Through Near Eye DisplayOptical Combiner Module and Attachment Mean62/752,739 filed on Oct. 30, 2018: Photonic Optical Combiner Module62/753,583 filed on Oct. 31, 2018: Improved Photonic Optical CombinerModule62/754,929 filed on Nov. 2, 2018: Further Improved Photonic OpticalCombiner Module62/755,626 filed on Nov. 5, 2018: Near Eye Display See Through OpticalCombiner62/755,630 filed on Nov. 5, 2018: Static See Through Near Eye DisplayOptical Combiner62/756,528 filed on Nov. 6, 2018: Detachable Attachable Two SectionFrame Front for XR62/756,542 filed on Nov. 6, 2018: Spectacle Lens in OpticalCommunication with See-Through Near Eye Display Optical Combiner62/769,883 filed on Nov. 20, 2018: Enhanced Near Eye Display OpticalCombiner Module62/770,210 filed on Nov. 21, 2018: Further Enhanced Near Eye DisplayOptical Combiner Module62/771,204 filed on Nov. 26, 2018: Adjustable Virtual Image Near EyeDisplay Optical Combiner Module62/774,362 filed on Dec. 3, 2018: Integrated Lens with NSR OpticalCombiner62/775,945 filed on Dec. 6, 2018: See-Through Near Eye Display OpticalCombiner Module With Front Light Blocker62/778,960 filed on Dec. 13, 2018: See-Through Near Eye Display HavingOpaque Pixel Patches62/778,972 filed on Dec. 13, 2018: Improved See-Through Near Eye DisplayOptical Combiner Module With Front Light Blocker62/780,391 filed on Dec. 17, 2018: See-Through Modulated Near EyeDisplay With Light Emission Away From The Eye of a Wearer Reduced orBlocked62/780,396 filed on Dec. 17, 2018: Modulated MLA and/or Near Eye DisplayHaving Light Emission Away From The Eye of a Wearer Reduced or Blocked62/783,596 filed on Dec. 21, 2018: Modulated MLA and/or Near Eye DisplayWith Light Emission Away From Eye of User62/783,603 filed on Dec. 21, 2018: Improved Modulated MLA and/or NearEye Display With Light Emission Away From Eye of User62/785,284 filed on Dec. 27, 2018: Advanced See-Through Modulated NearEye Display With Outward Light Emission Reduced or Blocked62/787,834 filed on Jan. 3, 2018: Advanced Integrated Lens with NSROptical Combiner62/788,275 filed on Jan. 4, 2019: Advanced See-Through Near Eye DisplayOptical Combiner62/788,993 filed on Jan. 7, 2019: Fabricating an Integrated Lens withSee-Through Near Eye Display Optical Combiner62/788,995 filed on Jan. 7, 2019: Further Advanced See-Through Near EyeDisplay Optical Combiner62/790,514 filed on Jan. 10, 2019: Further, Further Advanced See-ThroughNear Eye Display Optical Combiner62/790,516 filed on Jan. 10, 2019: Advanced, Advanced See-Through NearEye Display Optical Combiner62/793,166 filed on Jan. 16, 2019: Near Eye Display See-Through Modulefor XR62/794,779 filed on Jan. 21, 2019: Near Eye Module Invention Summary62/796,388 filed on Jan. 24, 2019: Transparent Near Eye DisplayInvention Summary62/796,410 filed on Jan. 24, 2019: Transparent Near Eye Module Summary62/830,645 filed on Apr. 8, 2019: Enhancement of Virtual Image62/847,427 filed May 14, 2019: Enhancing the AR Image62/848,636 filed May 16, 2019: Further Enhanced AR ImageThe present application also relies on the disclosures of and claimspriority to and the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. PatentApplication Nos. 62/756,528 filed Nov. 6, 2018, 62/756,542 filed Nov. 6,2018, 62/788,993 filed Jan. 7, 2019, and international application no.PCT/US2019/055735 filed Oct. 10, 2019. The present application isfurther related to U.S. Application Nos. 62/717,424 filed Aug. 10, 2018,62/720,113 filed Aug. 20, 2018, 62/728,251 filed Sep. 7, 2018, and62/732,138 filed Sep. 17, 2018. The disclosures of each of theseapplications is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The present invention is directed to a see-through near eye opticalmodule that in most cases is fabricated as a standalone unit. Thesee-through near eye optical module is in certain embodiments thenplaced in optical communication and alignment with an eyewear lenshaving appropriate optical power such that when a wearer thereof looksthrough the see-through near eye optical module he or she can see a realworld image and virtual image clearly. In other embodiments theappropriate optical power is provided in the rear section of thesee-through near eye optical module. Thus, the combination of both thesee-through near eye optical module and the appropriate optical powerprovides the wearer with a clear augmented reality or mixed realityexperience. The placement can be by way of positioning within an opennotch, hole, groove, recess, and/or section of an eyewear lens.

Description of Related Art

Today's augmented and/or mixed reality systems in most cases have alarge form factor and are clunky, heavy, power hungry and expensive. Forthese systems to have an increased level of adoption a majortransformational technology change or innovation is needed. In addition,it is important that any such innovation can be easily adapted tocurrent established eyewear and ophthalmic lens manufacturing anddistribution. The innovation disclosed herein teaches such atransformational breakthrough for the AR (augmented reality) & MR (mixedreality) industries.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Provided in embodiments of the present invention are various methods ofcombining optically a see-through near eye optical module with theappropriate optical power lens or lens system such that the wearerthereof can see a real world image and virtual image clearly whileexperiencing augmented reality or mixed reality. The augmented realityor mixed reality system can, in aspects, provide an ophthalmic lens inoptical communication with a see-through near eye optical module,wherein the see-through near eye optical module comprises a see-throughnear eye display and a see-through near eye micro-lens array, whereinthe optical power measured through the see-through near eye opticalmodule and the eyewear lens section which is located directly behind thesee-through near eye optical module is within 20% of the same opticalpower as if it was measured through the ophthalmic lens prior to anymodification of the ophthalmic lens for attaching the see-through neareye optical module. The augmented reality or mixed reality system maycomprise an ophthalmic lens in optical communication with a see-throughnear eye optical module, wherein the see-through near eye optical modulecomprises a see-through near eye display and a see-through near eyemicro-lens array, wherein the overall optical power measured through thesee-through near eye optical module and the ophthalmic lens sectionwhich is located directly behind the see-through near eye optical moduleis within 10% of the same optical power as the distance portion of theophthalmic lens. The augmented reality or mixed reality system maycomprise an ophthalmic lens in optical communication with a see-throughnear eye optical module, wherein the see-through near eye optical modulecomprises a see-through near eye display and a micro-lens array, whereina portion of the back side of see-through near eye optical module is infront of a portion of the ophthalmic lens, wherein a floor or bottomportion of the ophthalmic lens that is closest to the back side ofsee-through near eye optical module is curved or shaped within 20% ofthe front surface base curve of the ophthalmic lens to which thesee-through near eye optical module has been positioned or has replaced,and wherein the backside size of the see-through near eye optical moduleis smaller in surface area compared to the surface area of the back sidesurface area of the ophthalmic lens.

Such a see-through near eye display can be an electronic display thatpermits seeing through and/or in between the pixels of such a display.When seeing through the pixels the pixels are either semi-transparent ortransparent. When seeing between the pixels the pixels can be eitheropaque, semi-transparent or transparent. By way of example only, one ormore of the following pixel light sources or light emitters can beutilized with or as the see-through near eye display: OLED, micro-LED ormicro-iLED, Flexible micro-iLED or Flexible micro-LED, TOLED(transparent organic light emitting diode), PHOLED (PhosphorescentOLED), FOLED (Flexible OLED), WOLED (white OLED), ELD(electroluminescent display), TFEL (thin film electroluminescent), TDEL(thick dielectric electroluminescent), or a combination of any of theabove.

In certain embodiments, the see-through near eye display can comprisetransparent pixels and/or semi-transparent pixels having light blockedon the side furthest away from the eye of a wearer and havingtransparent or semi-transparent sections of the display between thepixels and/or pixel patches that will allow the real world light rays topass through to the eye(s) of the wearer. In these cases, while thepixels or pixel patches may be transparent or semi-transparent, mostlight from the real world will not pass through the pixel or pixelpatches, but rather pass between the pixels or pixel patches due to thelight block located on the front side of the pixel or pixel patch, or infront of the pixel or pixel patch, furthest away from the eye of thewearer. In other cases, the pixels can be opaque. In such cases, thereal-world image is seen by light rays passing between the opaquepixels. In still other cases the pixels can be transparent orsemi-transparent with no light block. In these cases, the real-worldimage can be seen through the pixels. In embodiments disclosed hereinthe see-through near eye display permits the wearer thereof to see areal-world image when looking through the see-through near eye displaywhether the display comprises transparent or semi-transparent pixelshaving a light block, transparent or semi-transparent pixels without alight block, or opaque pixels. In certain cases, the pixels or pixelpatches are sparsely populated. In other cases, the pixels or pixelpatches are tightly populated. The see-through near eye display can betransparent or semi-transparent. The see-through near eye display can bemade of a passive matrix or an active matrix.

A micro-lens array as used herein can be a static micro-lens array(whereby the micro-lenses of the micro-lens array are fixed in opticalpower) or that of an electronic switchable micro-lens array (whereby themicro-lenses of the micro-lens array are switchable or tunable betweentwo different optical powers and whereby one of which can be no opticalpower). The following are examples only of micro-lenses of such amicro-lens array. The micro-lenses can be one or more of: plano-convex,biconvex, aspheric, achromatic, diffractive, refractive, phase wrappedFresnel lens, Fresnel Lens, a combination of plus and minus lensesforming a Gabor Superlens, a combination of a lens and a prism, agradient index (GRIN) lens, liquid crystal lens, a patterned electrodelens, a polymer liquid crystal lens, or any combination of the above. Inmost, but not all cases, the MLA (micro-lens array) is antireflectioncoated on one or both sides. The term lenslet(s) or lensing when usedherein is meant to be associated generally with a micro-lens ormicro-lens array.

A see-through near eye optical module as taught herein consists of asee-through near eye display that is in optical alignment/opticalcommunication with a distance separated micro-lens array. In certainembodiments, the see-through near eye optical module can be a standalonesee-through near eye optical module that can be fabricated prior tobeing incorporated with an eyewear lens. In other embodiments, thesee-through near eye optical module can be fabricated in situ with theeyewear lens. The space separation of the see-through near eye displayand the micro-lens array can be filled with a material or a gas. In apreferred embodiment, the space separation is filled with a material.The see-through near eye optical module can be sealed. The sealing canbe hermetically sealed. By sealing it is meant that the sealincorporates all the outside area of the see-through near eye opticalmodule. The see-through near eye display is capable ofpassing/transmitting real world light rays through it to form a realimage as perceived by the eye of a user, while also producing or givingoff light rays from the see-through near eye display that after passingthrough a micro-lens array form a virtual image thus allowing a user orwearer to see both a virtual image and a real image; thus perceivingAugmented Reality or Mixed Reality. The lensing array can be that of amicro-lens array or a micro-optic array. The terms patches of pixels andtiles of pixels have the same meaning for one another. As used herein, asee-through near eye optical module can also mean or be a see-throughnear eye optical combiner.

For clarity, the front of the see-through near eye display is theportion furthest away from the eye of the wearer/user. The back of thesee-through near eye display is the portion closest to the eye of thewearer/user. Thus, by way of example only, if the see-through near eyedisplay is embedded or attached to the front side of an eye glass lens,the front of the see-through near eye display would be on the side ofthe eyeglass lens farthest away from the eye of the wearer/user and theback of the see-through near eye display would be closest to the eye ofthe wearer/user, similar to that of the eyeglass lens (where the frontis farther away from the eye of a wearer and the back is closest to theeye of a wearer).

For clarity, the front surface of the see-though near eye optical moduleis the portion furthest away from the eye of the wearer/user. The backsurface of the see-through near eye optical module is the portionclosest to the eye of the wearer/user. When the see-through near eyedisplay optical module is embedded into the front surface of an eyeglasslens, the front surface of the see-through near eye display opticalmodule can be conformal to the front surface of the eyeglass lens towhich it is embedded. In certain other embodiments, the front surface ofthe see-through near eye display optical module can be slightly raisedto the front surface of the eyeglass lens in which it is embedded, andin certain other embodiments the front surface of the see-through neareye display optical module can be located slightly lower within theeyeglass lens than the front surface of the eyeglass lens. In stillother embodiments, the see-through near eye optical module can have itsbackside located adjacent to the front surface of the eyeglass lens. Thefront side surface of the see-through near eye optical module can becoated with, by way of example only, a scratch resistant coating, UVcoating, anti-reflection coating or any combination thereof. Thebackside surface of the see-through near eye optical module can be, byway of example, coated with a blue light filter, a selective high energyblue light filter, a UV filter, or any combination thereof.

Further, in other embodiments, the see-through near eye optical modulecan be entirely located in front of and distance separated from thefront surface of the eyeglass lens. Finally, in certain otherembodiments, the see-through near eye optical module can comprise a lens(having ophthalmic power) located behind the backside of the see-throughnear eye optical module. In most cases, in such an embodiment, this lenswould be part of the see-through near eye optical module. In thisparticular case, the see-through near eye optical module may be attachedto the eyewear frame or eyewear lens in such a manner to avoid being inoptical communication with the eyeglass lens. By this it is meant thatlight rays coming from the see-through near eye optical module to theeye of the wearer would only go once through an ophthalmic lens havingoptical power and then to the eye of the wearer.

The see-through near eye optical module can be of any size. Thesee-through near eye optical module can be as small as 6 mm wide×6 mmhigh or as large as the eyewear lens. In most, but not all cases, thesee-through near eye optical module has a top or bottom surface arealess than the overall size of a side of the eyewear lens, meaning it issmaller or comprises less surface area than the surface area of a sideof an eyewear lens in which is in optical communication and alignment.The see-through near eye optical module can be of any shape. In certaincases, it is rectangular. In other cases, it can be round. In stillother cases, it can be square. In certain cases, the horizontalmeasurement is greater than the vertical measurement. In certain cases,the vertical measurement is greater than the horizontal measurement.Depending upon the size of the see-through near eye optical module, aneye tracker can be utilized. In most cases, an eye tracker can beutilized with a see-through near eye optical module that is greater than12 mm in one direction. In certain embodiments, a see-through near eyedisplay can be connected to a camera associated with the AR/MR system.In certain embodiments, a see-through near eye display can be connectedto multiple cameras associated with the AR/MR system. The see-throughnear eye optical module can be connected (wirelessly or wired) to acomputing device. Such a computing device can be, by way of exampleonly, a cell phone, laptop computer, tablet computer, desktop computer,server, and/or cell tower. The see-through near eye optical module canbe connected (wirelessly or wired) to a Computer Processing Unit. Thesee-through near eye optical module can be connected (wirelessly orwired) to the Internet.

The see-through near eye optical module in most, but not all, cases islocated such that when a wearer thereof is looking straight ahead withnormal gaze the line of sight of the eye of the wearer does not lookthrough the see-through near eye optical module. In most, but not all,cases the see-through near eye optical module is located peripheral tothe line of sight of the wearer when the wearer is looking straightahead with normal gaze while wearing a see-through near eye opticalmodule. Thus, in most cases (but not all) when the wearer wishes to seeAR or MR the wearer moves his or her eye or head such to see through thesee-through near eye optical module. Such movement can be, by way ofexample only, a head tilt or head movement. In certain embodiments, thesee-through near eye optical module is placed directly in front of theeye of the wearer. When this occurs the line of sight of the wearerlooks through the see-through near eye optical module when the wearer islooking straight ahead with normal gaze at far.

The see-through near eye optical module in most cases (but not all) issmaller in front surface area than that of the eyewear lens in which itis in alignment/optical communication with. The see-through near eyeoptical module in most cases (but not all) is smaller in back surfacearea than that of the eyewear lens in which it is in alignment/opticalcommunication with. This is true in most but not all cases, when thesee-through near eye optical module is attached to the front surface ofan eyewear lens. This is true when the see-through near eye opticalmodule is attached to eyewear and located in front of the front surfaceof an eyewear lens. This is true when the see-through near eye opticalmodule is embedded within the front surface of an eyewear lens. This istrue when the see-through near eye optical module is incorporated withinan eyewear lens.

For clarity (as used herein) eyewear as used herein can be that of anyeyewear or headwear that fits around and/or in front of the eyes of awearer. By way of example only, this includes goggles, face shield,athletic glasses, dress glasses, sports glasses, shooting glasses, spacegoggles, welding goggles, swimming goggles, industrial glasses, safetyglasses, prescription glasses, normal glasses, spectacles, and any othertype of eyewear or glasses. For clarity, as used herein, an ophthalmiclens is an eyewear lens. For clarity, an eyewear lens can be a spectaclelens. For clarity, as used herein, an ophthalmic lens may be an eyeglasslens. For clarity, an eyeglass lens may be an eyewear lens. Anophthalmic lens, spectacle lens, eyeglass lens, eyewear lens, or otherlens can comprise optical power. An ophthalmic lens, spectacle lens,eyeglass lens, eyewear lens, or other lens can comprise no opticalpower. An ophthalmic lens, spectacle lens eyeglass lens, eyewear lens,or other lens can be devoid of optical power. An eyewear lens, eyeglasslens, ophthalmic lens, or spectacle lens as used herein are all meant tomean generally the same thing. An ophthalmic lens, spectacle lens,eyeglass lens, eyewear lens, or other lens can be used with any style ortype of eyewear including headwear that comprises an eyewear component.The front curvature of an ophthalmic lens can be that of the appropriatefront base curve for a given lens optical power commonly known in theart. For clarity, the words optical communication used herein is that ofbeing optically aligned so that light rays will pass through.

The term self-contained as used herein is generally meant to be that ofan optical device or optical system that can be a stand-alone systemthat with the application of enabling power, would function. Such aself-contained system can be fabricated separately and sold as a unitthat then can be attached or embedded within an eyewear lens andconnected to the appropriate power source. As used herein a low indexmaterial can be, by way of example only, low index acrylics, ethylacrylate, propyl methyl acrylate, or any combination thereof.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate certain aspects of some of theembodiments of the present invention, and should not be used to limit ordefine the invention. Together with the written description the drawingsserve to explain certain principles of the invention.

FIG. 1a is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 1b is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 1c is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 1d is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 1e is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2a is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2c is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2d is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2e is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2f is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 2g is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 3a is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 3c is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 3d is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 3e is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 3f is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 3g is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 4a is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 4b is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 4c is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 4d is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 4e is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 4f is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 4g is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 4h is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 5a is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 5b is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 5c is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 6a is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 6b is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 6c is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 6d is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of a depiction of one possible embodimentof the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

In most, but not all, embodiments taught herein the see-through near eyeoptical module is self-contained. In all embodiments disclosed hereinthe see-through near eye display optical module can comprise asee-through near eye display that is in optical alignment/opticalcommunication with a micro-lens array. The micro-lens array can be thatof a static micro-lens array or a switchable micro-lens array that canswitch or tune its optical power between two optical powers; one ofwhich can be plano. The see-through near eye optical module can comprisea see-through near eye display, a spacer (which can be that of air, agas or a material that can be by way of example only a low indexmaterial), an optional light shield array, a micro-lens array, anoptional spherical lens, optional cylindrical lens, or an optionalsphero-cylinder lens. The sphero-cylindrical lens or cylindrical lenscan be set for the correct astigmatic axis of the wear's astigmatism.The outside of the see-through near eye optical module can be coatedwith a multilayer coating to provide a hermetically sealed see-throughnear eye display optical module that is water resistant, sweat resistantand moisture resistant. The front side surface of the see-through neareye optical module can be coated with, by way of example only, a scratchresistant coating, UV coating, anti-reflection coating or anycombination thereof. The backside surface of the see-through near eyeoptical module can be, by way of example, coated with a blue lightfilter, a selective high energy blue light filter, a UV filter, or anycombination thereof. The eyewear frame can comprise electronics enablingthe see-through near eye optical module(s). Such electronic enablementcan be used for powering the electronic see-through near eye display andthe micro-lens array (when such a micro-lens array is an electronicswitchable or tunable micro-lens array). When the micro-lens array isstatic electronic enablement is not required. The eyewear frame can beattached to peripheral electronics enabling the near eye opticalcombiner(s).

In a preferred embodiment (see, e.g., FIGS. 1a, 1b, 1c ), the device orsystem can be that of an eyewear lens having been edged for an eyeglassframe. The eyewear lens can then be notched at the appropriate locationand have an open notch of a proper size and shape. A see-through neareye optical module can then be positioned within the open notch andattached, by way of example only, adhesively bonded or pressure mountedin place. An electrical connector (by way of example only, that of aflex cable) can be connected from the see-through near eye opticalmodule to that of the eyewear frame where enabling electronic componentsincluding electrical power can be accessed. Prior to positioning thesee-through near eye optical module into place, the front side surfaceof the see-through near eye optical module can be coated with, by way ofexample only, a scratch resistant coating, UV coating, anti-reflectioncoating or any combination thereof. The backside surface of thesee-through near eye optical module can be, by way of example, coatedwith a blue light filter, a selective high energy blue light filter, aUV filter, or any combination thereof.

When an open notch is utilized, the see-through near eye display mayneed to utilize or incorporate an optical lens or system that is locatedposterior to the micro-lens array of the see-through near eye display.This optical lens or optical system provides the appropriate refractivepower for the eye of the wearer (should such a refractive optical powerbe needed) to allow for the distance real world image to be seen clearlyby the eye of the wearer. Such an optical lens or optical system can beincorporated as part of the see-through near eye optical module or canbe located separately behind (closest to the eye of the wearer) thesee-through near eye optical module. The appropriate refractive opticalpower can include, by way of example only, all required optical powers(including no optical power/plano), spherical optical power (minus orplus), cylindrical optical power (minus or plus), and/or prismaticoptical power. The optical power can correct for astigmatic refractivepower needs at the proper astigmatic axis. In another embodiment, thesee-through near eye optical module can be attached to the eyewear frameeye rim or part of the eyewear frame eye rim. As with other embodimentsof shown in FIG. 1, the appropriate refractive optical power (ifrequired) for the eye of a wearer to see the distance real world imageclearly through the see-through near eye optical module can be addedbehind the see-through near eye optical module, or incorporatedposterior to the micro-lens array as part of the see-through near eyeoptical module. The appropriate refractive optical power can include, byway of example only, all required optical powers (including no opticalpower/plano), spherical optical power (minus or plus), cylindricaloptical power (minus or plus), and/or prismatic optical power. Theoptical power can correct for astigmatic refractive power needs at theproper astigmatic axis.

The see-through near eye optical module can be moved along the interiorof the eyewear rim to account for lining up with the wearer/user's intrapupillary distance (IPD). As in the embodiments depicted in FIG. 1, theedged lens can be notched at the appropriate location around theperiphery of the edged lens. The see-through near eye optical module canthen be inserted within the open notch. The see-through near eye opticalmodule can be attached to the eyewear lens, by way of example only,adhesively or pressure mounted. The electrical connector, by way ofexample only, can be that of a flex cable. The flex cable can beconnected from the see-through near eye optical module to that of theeyewear frame where enabling electronic components including access toelectrical power can be accessed. In certain embodiments, an end of theelectrical connector has male pins that connect to a female electricalconnector located in or on the eyewear frame. In other embodiments, anend of the electrical connector has a female connection that connects toa male electrical connector located in or on the eyewear frame.

The see-through near eye display can be located such that the front ofthe see-through near eye optical module is forward relative to the frontsurface of the eyewear lens on the side of the notch. The see-throughnear eye optical module can be located such that the front of thesee-through near eye display is conformal with the front surface of theeyewear lens on the side of notch. The see-through near eye opticalmodule can be located such that the front of the see-through near eyeoptical module is beneath the front surface of the eyewear lens on theside of the notch.

In another embodiment (see, e.g., FIGS. 2a, 2b, and 2c ), the device orsystem to takes an edged eyewear lens and places a hole through theeyewear lens for positioning a see-through near eye optical module. Thehole, in aspects, needs to be of the size for housing the see-throughnear eye optical module. The hole, in aspects, needs to be located suchto align the see-through near eye optical module at or above the upperedge of a pupil(s) of the eye(s) of a wearer/user. In certain cases, thehole needs to further locate the see-through near eye optical modulerelative to the intra-pupillary distance of the wearer. In other caseswhere the see-through near eye optical module is quite wide horizontallygiven that the optical combiner is that of a see-through near eyedisplay optical combiner there is freedom from that of a specificlocation of the wearer/user's IPD. The see-through near eye opticalmodule can be inserted within the hole and either adhesively bonded orpressure mounted into place. Prior to positioning the see-through neareye optical module into place, the front side surface of the see-throughnear eye optical module can be coated with, by way of example only, ascratch resistant coating, UV coating, anti-reflection coating or anycombination thereof. The backside surface of the see-through near eyeoptical module can be, by way of example, coated with a blue lightfilter, a selective high energy blue light filter, a UV filter, or anycombination thereof.

The see-through near eye display can be located such that the front ofthe see-through near eye optical module is forward relative to the frontsurface of the eyewear lens on the side of the hole. The see-throughnear eye optical module can be located such that the front of thesee-through near eye display is conformal with the front surface of theeyewear lens on the side of hole. The see-through near eye opticalmodule can be located such that the front of the see-through near eyeoptical module is beneath the front surface of the eyewear lens on theside of the hole.

In these kinds of embodiments, the see-through near eye optical modulecan be attached to the eyewear lens, by way of example only, adhesivelyor pressure mounted. The electrical connector, by way of example only,can be that of a flex cable. The flex cable can be connected from thesee-through near eye optical module to that of the eyewear frame whereenabling electronic components including access to electrical power canbe housed. Also, the appropriate refractive optical power (if required)for the eye of a wearer to see the distance real world image clearlythrough the see-through near eye optical module can be added behind thesee-through near eye optical module, or incorporated posterior to themicro-lens array as part of the see-through near eye optical module. Theappropriate refractive optical power can include, by way of exampleonly, all required optical powers (including no optical power/plano),spherical optical power (minus or plus), cylindrical optical power(minus or plus), and/or prismatic optical power. The optical power cancorrect for astigmatic refractive power needs at the proper astigmaticaxis. The front side surface of the see-through near eye optical modulecan be coated with, by way of example only, a scratch resistant coating,UV coating, anti-reflection coating, or any combination thereof. Thebackside surface of the see-through near eye optical module can be, byway of example, coated with a blue light filter, a selective high energyblue light filter, a UV filter, or any combination thereof. Prior topositioning the see-through near eye optical module into place, thefront side surface of the see-through near eye optical module can becoated with, by way of example only, a scratch resistant coating, UVcoating, anti-reflection coating, or any combination thereof. Thebackside surface of the see-through near eye optical module can be, byway of example, coated with a blue light filter, a selective high energyblue light filter, a UV filter, or any combination thereof.

In yet another embodiment (see, e.g., FIGS. 3a, and 3b ), a groovehaving a bottom and sides can be fabricated within the eyewear lens.Such a groove can be fabricated, by way of example only, by way of asingle point diamond turning mill. Such a diamond turning mill canfabricate the required groove curvature with a polished surface of thegroove. The groove can be a recess in the front surface of the eyewearlens whereby the groove has sides on 3 out of the 4 sides. A see-throughnear eye display optical module and its electrical connector can belocated within such a groove. The groove can originate at any pointdesired and located 360 degrees around the periphery of an edged orfinished eyewear lens.

The lens surface curvature at the floor of the groove and the thicknessof the lens from the bottom of the groove to the back of the lens canprovide the optical power needed for the eye of the wearer to see a realworld image clearly through the see-through near eye optical module. Incertain embodiments the floor of the groove has a curvature within 20%of the curvature of the front base surface curvature of the eyewear lensprior to the groove being placed therein. The lens surface curvature atthe floor of the groove and the thickness of the lens from the bottom ofthe groove to the back of the lens can provide the optical power neededfor the eye of the wearer to see a real world image clearly through thesee-through near eye display. In certain embodiments the floor of thegroove has a curvature within 20% of the curvature of the front surfaceof the eyewear lens prior to the groove being placed therein. In otherembodiments the floor of the groove has a curvature that equals thefront surface base curvature of the eyewear lens. The appropriaterefractive optical power can include, by way of example only, allrequired optical powers (including no optical power/plano), sphericaloptical power (minus or plus), cylindrical optical power (minus orplus), and/or prismatic optical power. The optical power can correct forastigmatic refractive power needs at the proper astigmatic axis. Theoverall optical power measured through the see-through near eye opticalmodule and the eyewear lens located directly behind the see-through neareye optical module is, in aspects, within 20% of the same optical poweras if it was measured through the eyewear lens prior to the see-throughnear eye optical module being embedded or attached. The overall opticalpower measured through the groove to the back of the lens, without thesee-through near eye optical module in place, is, in aspects, within 20%of the same optical power as if it was measured through the eyewear lensprior to the see-through near eye optical module being embedded orattached. The overall optical power measured through the see-throughnear eye optical module and the eyewear lens located directly behind thesee-through near eye optical module is, in aspects, within 20% of thesame optical power as if it was measured through the eyewear lens priorto the see-through near eye optical module being embedded or attached.The overall optical power measured through the groove to the back of thelens, without the see-through near eye optical module in place, is, inaspects, within 20% of the same optical power as if it was measuredthrough the eyewear lens prior to the see-through near eye opticalmodule being embedded or attached. The overall optical power measuredthrough the see-through near eye optical module and the eyewear lenslocated directly behind the see-through near eye optical module is, inaspects, within 10% of the same optical power as if it was measuredthrough the eyewear lens prior to the see-through near eye opticalmodule being embedded or attached. The overall optical power measuredthrough the groove to the back of the lens, without the see-through neareye optical module in place, is, in aspects, within 10% of the sameoptical power as if it was measured through the eyewear lens prior tothe see-through near eye optical module being embedded or attached.

The see-through near eye optical module can be attached to the eyewearlens, by way of example only, adhesively or pressure mounted. Theadhesive can be a low index optical quality transparent adhesive. Suchattachment can be, by way of example only, to the sides of the groove,bottom of the groove, and/or a side of the lens. As shown in embodimentshown in FIG. 3, the see-through near eye display can be located suchthat the front of the see-through near eye optical module is forwardrelative to the front surface of the eyewear lens on either side of thegroove. As shown in embodiment depicted by FIG. 3, the see-through neareye optical module can be located such that the front of the see-throughnear eye display is conformal with the front surface of the eyewear lenson either side of the groove. When a see-through near eye optical moduleis positioned within a groove a low index material can be appliedtherebetween the see-through near eye optical module and the floor ofthe groove. The electrical connector, by way of example only, can bethat of a flex cable. The flex cable can be connected from thesee-through near eye optical module to that of the eyewear frame whereenabling electronic components including electrical power can beaccessed. In certain embodiments, an end of the electrical connector hasmale pins that connect to a female electrical connector located in or onthe eyewear frame. In other embodiments, an end of the electricalconnector has a female connection that connects to a male electricalconnector located in or on the eyewear frame. Prior to positioning thesee-through near eye optical module into place, the front side surfaceof the see-through near eye optical module can be coated with, by way ofexample only, a scratch resistant coating, UV coating, anti-reflectioncoating, or any combination thereof. The backside surface of thesee-through near eye optical module can be, by way of example, coatedwith a blue light filter, a selective high energy blue light filter, aUV filter, or any combination thereof.

In another embodiment (see, e.g., FIGS. 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, and 4e ), thedevice or system is that of an eyewear frame, comprising an eyewearframe front having two eyewear rims and a bridge, whereby each of theeyewear rims houses a spectacle lens, whereby one of the eyewear rimscomprises an upper section and a lower section and whereby the uppersection houses a see-through near eye optical module and the lowersection houses a spectacle lens. The eyewear of frame front can comprisetwo rims and both two rims comprise an upper section and a lowersection. The upper section can be adjustable for the interpupillarydistance of the user/wearer. The upper section can be held in place, byway of example only, with a supporting strap or member attached to theeyewear frame. The supporting strap or member can be made of by way ofexample only, a clear plastic, translucent plastic, nylon, metal, and/orelastic material. Alternatively, with embodiments in FIG. 4, the upperand lower sections can be joined by an index matching adhesive. Theindex matching optical quality transparent adhesive can be within 0.03units of index of refraction of the upper section's index of refractionand the lower section's index of refraction. The index matching adhesivecan be within the middle of index of refraction difference between thatof the upper section's index of refraction and the lower section's indexof refraction.

The upper section can comprise a see-through near eye optical modulethat comprises the user/wearer's distance spectacle prescription locatedbehind the micro-lens array closer to the eye of the wearer. The uppersection can provide the appropriate refractive optical power (ifrequired) for the eye of a wearer to see the distance real world imageclearly through the see-through near eye optical module. This refractiveoptical power can be added behind the see-through near eye opticalmodule, or incorporated posterior to the micro-lens array as part of thesee-through near eye optical module. The appropriate refractive opticalpower can include, by way of example only, all required optical powers(including no optical power/plano), spherical optical power (minus orplus), cylindrical optical power (minus or plus), and/or prismaticoptical power. The optical power can correct for astigmatic refractivepower needs at the proper astigmatic axis. Prior to positioning thesee-through near eye optical module into place, the front side surfaceof the see-through near eye optical module can be coated with, by way ofexample only, a scratch resistant coating, UV coating, anti-reflectioncoating, or any combination thereof. The backside surface of thesee-through near eye optical module can be, by way of example, coatedwith a blue light filter, a selective high energy blue light filter, aUV filter, or any combination thereof.

The upper section can be magnetically attached to a track located on anupper eyewear front's eyewear rim. The upper section can be pressureattached to a track located on an upper eyewear front's eyewear rim. Theupper section can be pressure attached to the upper eyewear front'seyewear rim. The upper section can be adhesively attached to the uppereyewear front's eyewear rim. The upper section can be electricallyconnected to enabling electronic components located within the eyewearframe or attached to the eyewear frame which can include access toelectrical power.

The lower section can be that of a section of an eyewear lens. The lowersection can be that of the appropriate optical power for the eye of thewearer, including no optical power. The lower section can include, byway of example only, a progressive addition region, bifocal region,trifocal region, distance power region.

In another embodiment (see, e.g., FIGS. 5a, and 5b ), the device orsystem can be that of an eyewear lens comprising a front curve, backcurve and thickness, wherein the eyewear lens further comprises asee-through near eye optical module, wherein the see-through near eyeoptical module is embedded within the eyewear lens and wherein thesee-through near eye optical module has a front surface that isconformal with that of the eyewear lens front surface. The eyewear lenscan have a recess or cavity within the front surface of the eyewearlens, wherein the recess houses the see-through near eye optical module.In this and related embodiments, the see-through near eye optical modulecan have no optical power that refracts the real-world image as seen bythe eye of a wearer. The see-through near eye optical module can have acurvature of the see-through near eye optical module such that itsback-surface curvature equals its front surface curvature. The recess orcavity can have an inside bottom curvature and lens thickness, locatedbeneath this recess or cavity, that permits the portion of the eyewearlens located directly under the see-through near eye optical module toprovide the same optical power as the distance portion of the eyewearlens. The recess or cavity within the front surface of the eyewear lensmay be surrounded with sides around the entire periphery of the recessor cavity. Prior to positioning the see-through near eye optical moduleinto place, the front side surface of the see-through near eye opticalmodule can be coated with, by way of example only, a scratch resistantcoating, UV coating, anti-reflection coating, or any combinationthereof. The backside surface of the see-through near eye optical modulecan be, by way of example, coated with a blue light filter, a selectivehigh energy blue light filter, a UV filter, or any combination thereof.

The optical power of the lens portion measured directly through therecess or cavity and the back of the lens without the see-through neareye optical module present can be of the appropriate refractive opticalpower (if required) for the eye of a wearer to see the distance realworld image clearly through the see-through near eye optical module whenthe see-through near eye optical module is present. This appropriaterefractive optical power can include, by way of example only, allrequired optical powers (including no optical power/plano), sphericaloptical power (minus or plus), cylindrical optical power (minus orplus), and/or prismatic optical power. The optical power can correct forastigmatic refractive power needs at the proper astigmatic axis.

The recess or cavity can have an inside bottom curvature opposite andclose to the back curvature of the see-through near eye optical modulethat is within 10% of that of the front surface curvature of the eyewearlens that was replaced by the recess or cavity. In this and relatedembodiments, the overall optical power measured through the see-throughnear eye optical module and the eyewear lens located directly behind thesee-through near eye optical module is, in aspects, within 20% of thesame optical power as the distance portion of the eyewear lens.

In this and related embodiments, the overall optical power measuredthrough the see-through near eye optical module and the eyewear lenslocated directly behind the see-through near eye optical module is, inaspects, within 20% of the same optical power as if it was measuredthrough the eyewear lens prior to the see-through near eye opticalmodule being embedded or attached. The overall optical power measuredthrough the recess or cavity to the back of the lens, without thesee-through near eye optical module in place, is, in aspects, within 20%of the same optical power as if it was measured through the eyewear lensprior to the see-through near eye optical module being embedded orattached.

In certain embodiments, when the front surface curvature of thesee-through near eye optical module does not equal its back surfacecurvature, the recess surface curvature closest to the back of thesee-through near eye optical module (floor of the recess or cavity) canbe altered to allow for the overall optical power measured through thesee-through near eye optical module and the eyewear lens directly behindto be the desired optical power for the eye of the wearer when lookingat far. In certain embodiments, when the front surface curvature of thesee-through near eye optical module does not equal its back surfacecurvature, the recess surface curvature closest to the back of thesee-through near eye optical module can be altered to allow for theoverall optical power measured through the see-through near eye opticalmodule and the eyewear lens directly behind to be the desired opticalpower for the eye of the wearer to clearly see the real image and/or thevirtual image.

In a certain embodiment, the ophthalmic lens portion that is closest tothe back side of see-through near eye optical module is curved or shapedwithin 20% of the front surface base curvature of the ophthalmic lens towhich the see-through near eye optical module has been positioned or hasreplaced, and wherein the backside size of the see-through near eyeoptical module is smaller in surface area compared to the surface areaof the front surface of the ophthalmic lens. In a certain embodiment,the ophthalmic lens portion that is closest to the back side ofsee-through near eye optical module is curved or shaped within 20% ofthe front surface curvature of the ophthalmic lens to which thesee-through near eye optical module has been positioned or has replaced,and wherein the backside size of the see-through near eye optical moduleis smaller in surface area compared to the surface area of the frontsurface of the ophthalmic lens.

The inside bottom surface of the recess or cavity's surface curvaturecan be that of a finished curvature. The inside bottom recess curvaturecan be polished. By way of example only, a single point diamond turningmill can fabricate such a recess or cavity to the desired curvature andthickness, while also providing for a finished polished surfacecurvature at the bottom surface of the recess or cavity. In certainembodiments, the see-through near eye optical module can be embeddedwithin the front surface of the eyewear lens in such a way that there isan air gap between the back of the see-through near eye optical moduleand the inside bottom of the recess or cavity of the eyewear lens. Inanother embodiment, instead of an air gap, a low index material can beused. Such a low index mater can be, by way of example only, one of lowindex acrylics, ethyl acrylate, and/or propyl methyl acrylate.

An electrical connector can connect the see-through near eye opticalmodule to the appropriate enabling electronic components including thatof electrical power. The electrical connector, by way of example only,can be that of a flex cable. The flex cable can be connected from thesee-through near eye optical module to that of the eyewear frame. Incertain embodiments, an end of the electrical connector has male pinsthat connect to a female electrical connector located in or on theeyewear frame. In other embodiments, an end of the electrical connectorhas a female connection that connects to a male electrical connectorlocated in or on the eyewear frame.

In still another embodiment (see, e.g., FIG. 5), the inside bottomcurvature of recess or cavity can be comprised of a micro-lens arraybeing made of a low index material (being a different refractive indexthan that of the index of the spectacle lens) having its micro-lensesaligned with the pixels or pixel patches of the see-through near eyedisplay which is distance separated having an air gap or spacer materialtherebetween. In such an embodiment the see-though near eye opticalmodule is assembled and properly aligned within the eyewear lens andbecomes integrated with the eyewear lens.

With each of the above embodiments in which the see-through near eyeoptical module is embedded within the eyewear lens, the eyewear lens inwhich it is embedded can be made of any ophthalmic grade lens material,by way of example only, CR 39, Polycarbonate, Trivex, 1.67 high index,and/or 1.72 high index. Holes ranging in diameter from 2 microns to lessthan a micron can optionally be added within the eyewear lens materialthickness located directly beneath the see-through near eye opticalmodule, that being the recess surface and the back surface of the lens.These holes allow air or gas to exit when pressing the optical combinermodule into the recess or cavity. The holes can be fabricated by way ofa laser, mechanical drill, and/or chemical etching. In some cases, anoptical quality transparent adhesive material can be utilized to adherethe see-through near eye display optical material within the formedfront surface recess. Such an adhesive material can be of an index thatis halfway or near halfway between that of the index of the outercoating of the see-through near eye optical module and the eyewear lens.Such an adhesive material can be of a refractive index that is within0.03 units of refraction of the index of the outer coating of thesee-through near eye optical module and/or the eyewear lens. In relatedembodiments, the front surface of the see-through near eye opticalmodule can be conformal to the front surface curvature of the spectaclelens. The front surface of the see-through near eye optical module canbe located slightly above the front surface curvature of the spectaclelens. The front surface of the see-through near eye optical module canbe located slightly below the front curvature of the spectacle lens. Theentire front surface of the spectacle lens can comprise ananti-refection coating. In certain embodiments the front surface of thesee-through near eye display optical module comprises an anti-reflectioncoating. Prior to positioning the see-through near eye optical moduleinto place, the front side surface of the see-through near eye opticalmodule can be coated with, by way of example only, a scratch resistantcoating, UV coating, anti-reflection coating, or any combinationthereof. The backside surface of the see-through near eye optical modulecan be, by way of example, coated with a blue light filter, a selectivehigh energy blue light filter, a UV filter, or any combination thereof.

In certain embodiments the recess or cavity acts as the sides and bottomof the see-through near eye optical module and the see-through near eyedisplay sits within the top of the recess or cavity with its frontsurface conformal to the front surface curvature of the eyewear lens. Inother embodiments the recess or cavity houses a self-contained near eyeoptical module. The front surface of the see-through near eye displayoptical module can be under the front surface of the eyewear lens. Thefront surface of the see-through near eye optical module can be of anequal or within 20% of the curvature to that of the front curvature ofthe eyewear lens where it is embedded. The front surface of thesee-through near eye optical module can be adjacent to the front surfaceof the eyewear lens.

With regards to embodiments in FIG. 5, the see-through near eye opticalmodule can be housed at least partially within the eyewear lens sectiondirectly beneath the see-through near eye optical module and the eyewearlens provides the appropriate optical power to correct, if needed, thewearer's distance optical power needs. In aspects, a connecting, by wayof example only, an electronic flex cable or flexible printed circuitattaches to an edge of the optical combiner and such a flex cable orflex circuit can be located, by way of example only, on the surface ofthe lens, in the surface of the lens, or under the surface of the lens.If located within a recessed portion of the lens, by way of exampleonly, a single point diamond turning mill can fabricate this additionalrecess as an additional step before, during or after fabricating therecess of cavity in the lens surface that houses the see-through neareye optical module. In aspects, the flex cable or print circuit canconnect to enabling electrical power that is provided through theeyewear that houses the eyewear lens. Such electrical power can be thatof a rechargeable battery, or other power source that is located withinthe eyewear frame or connected to the eyewear frame.

In another embodiment (see, e.g., FIGS. 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d, 6e ) whereby thesee-through near eye optical module is fabricated within an ophthalmiclens, a thin layer of optical resin (in aspects, less than 0.5 mm thick)may be placed within a concave mold that forms the front convex surfaceof the eyewear lens. In certain cases, only the front surface of thesee-through near eye optical module is coated to form a tacky surfaceand not the entire concave mold surface. Separately the see-through neareye optical module may be coated with a low index optical coating andsuch coating may be cured. The coating can be cured with one or more ofheat or light, in aspects. The optical resin that was provided withinthe concave mold is first cured to make it tacky, in aspects. Followingthis, in aspects, the see-through near eye optical module (coated with alow index material) may be placed with its front closest to the concavemold surface in an appropriate location and positioned against theconcave mold's surface (which ultimately will make the front convexsurface of the eyewear lens). Given the tacky optical material of thefront concave mold surface, the see-through near eye optical module oncepressed against such tacky surface becomes attached thereto. Prior topositioning the see-through near eye optical module into place, thefront side surface of the see-through near eye optical module can becoated with, by way of example only, a scratch resistant coating, UVcoating, anti-reflection coating, or any combination thereof. Thebackside surface of the see-through near eye optical module can be, byway of example, coated with a blue light filter, a selective high energyblue light filter, a UV filter, or any combination thereof. Followingattaching the see-through near eye optical module to the front concavemold surface, in aspects, a rear mold and gasket or tape is assembled tothe front mold and additional optical resin is filled within the moldassembly and is cured. The curing can be, by way of example only, one ormore of light cured, heat cured, or light and heat cured. Thesee-through near eye optical module is thus fixed and housed within theeyewear lens such that the see-through near eye optical module ispositioned with the ophthalmic lens such that thickness and curvature ofthe back of the see-through near eye optical module provides theappropriate optical power for the eyewear lens such to allow for awearer of the see-through near eye optical module to see the real worldimage clearly when looking through the see-through near eye opticalmodule. Prior to positioning the see-through near eye optical moduleinto place, the front side surface of the see-through near eye opticalmodule can be coated with, by way of example only, a scratch resistantcoating, UV coating, anti-reflection coating, or any combinationthereof. The backside surface of the see-through near eye optical modulecan be, by way of example, coated with a blue light filter, a selectivehigh energy blue light filter, a UV filter, or any combination thereof.

The mold assembly can make that of a semi-finished lens blank with thesee-through near eye optical module located just below the front surfaceof the semi-finished lens blank. The mold assembly can make that of asemi-finished blank with the see-through near eye optical module locatedconformal with the front surface of the semi-finished lens blank. Themold assembly can make that of a finished lens blank with thesee-through near eye optical module located just below the front surfaceof the finished lens blank. The mold assembly can make that of afinished lens blank with the see-through near eye optical module locatedconformal with the front surface of the finished lens blank.

In certain embodiments an electronic connector or cable can be attachedto the see-through near eye optical module prior to positioning thesee-through near eye optical module within the mold assembly, by way ofexample only, a flex cable can be positioned against the front surfaceof the mold. Such a flex cable can then be located and directed from thesee-through near eye display to a peripheral edge of the front concavemold assembly that forms the front surface of the eyewear lens. Incertain embodiments, an end of the electrical connector has male pinsthat connect to a female electrical connector located in or on theeyewear frame. In other embodiments, an end of the electrical connectorhas a female connection that connects to a male electrical connectorlocated in or on the eyewear frame.

In another embodiment, the see-through near eye optical module isfabricated within an ophthalmic lens, and a layer of optical resin (inaspects, less than 0.5 mm thick) is placed within a concave mold thatforms the front convex surface of the eyewear lens. Separately thesee-through near eye optical module is coated with a low index opticalcoating and such coating is cured. The coating can be cured with one ormore of heat or light or both. The optical resin that was providedwithin the concave mold is first cured to make it tacky. Following thisthe see-through near eye optical module (coated with a low indexmaterial) is placed with its front closest to the concave mold surfacein an appropriate location and positioned against the concave mold'ssurface (which ultimately will make the front convex surface of theeyewear lens). Given the tacky optical material of the front concavemold surface, the see-through near eye optical module once pressedagainst such tacky surface becomes attached thereto. Following this therear surface thickness and rear curvature (or lack thereof) is formed byway of 3D printing, in aspects, using an optical quality material. Priorto positioning the see-through near eye optical module into place, thefront side surface of the see-through near eye optical module can becoated with, by way of example only, a scratch resistant coating, UVcoating, anti-reflection coating, or any combination thereof. Thebackside surface of the see-through near eye optical module can be, byway of example, coated with a blue light filter, a selective high energyblue light filter, a UV filter, or any combination thereof.

The mold assembly can make that of a semi-finished lens blank with thesee-through near eye optical module located just below the front surfaceof the semi-finished lens blank. The mold assembly can make that of asemi-finished blank with the see-through near eye optical module locatedconformal with the front surface of the semi-finished lens blank. Themold assembly can make that of a finished lens blank with thesee-through near eye optical module located just below the front surfaceof the finished lens blank. The mold assembly can make that of afinished lens blank with the see-through near eye optical module locatedconformal with the front surface of the finished lens blank.

In certain embodiments an electronic connector or cable can be attachedto the see-through near eye optical module prior to positioning thesee-through near eye optical module within the mold assembly, by way ofexample only, a flex cable can be positioned against the front surfaceof the mold. Such a flex cable can then be located and directed from thesee-through near eye display to a peripheral edge of the front concavemold assembly that forms the front surface of the eyewear lens. Incertain embodiments, an end of the electrical connector has male pinsthat connect to a female electrical connector located in or on theeyewear frame. In other embodiments a,n end of the electrical connectorhas a female connection that connects to a male electrical connectorlocated in or on the eyewear frame.

Example Fabrication Steps of Embodiments

The steps of fabricating eyewear housing the see-through near eyedisplay optical module(s) and eyewear lens(es).

Embodiment #1

a. Edge spectacle lens(es) to the eye rim(s) shape of the desiredeyewear frameb. Machine notch into the edged spectacle lens(es) accounting for theproper alignment of the wearer's interpupillary distance and positioningof the see-through near eye optical module relative to the wearer'seye(s) once mounted within the eyewearc. Insert and pressure mount and/or adhesively bond the see-through neareye optical module(s) within notch of the edged spectacle lens(es)d. Insert edged spectacle lens(es) having notch with the see-throughnear eye optical modules(s) into the appropriate eyewear rime. (steps c and d can be reversed and/or are interchangeable and theelectrical connection to the see-through near eye optical module(s) canbe accomplished at any point during the fabrication process)

The steps of fabricating eyewear housing see-through near eye opticalmodule(s) and eyewear lens(es).

Embodiment #2

a. Edge spectacle lens(es) to the eye rim(s) shape of the desiredeyewear frameb. Machine hole into edged spectacle lens(es) accounting for the properalignment of the wearer's interpupillary distance and positioning of thesee-through near eye optical module(s) relative to the eye(s) of thewearerc. Insert and pressure mount and/or adhesively bond the see-through neareye optical module(s) within hole of edged spectacle lens(es)d. Insert edged spectacle lens(es) having hole with the see-through neareye optical modules(s) into the appropriate eyewear rime. (steps c and d can be reversed and/or are interchangeable and theelectrical connection to the see-through near eye optical module(s) canbe accomplished at any point during the fabrication process)

The steps of fabricating eyewear housing the see-through near eyedisplay optical module(s) and eyewear lens(es).

Embodiments #3

a. Edge spectacle lens(es) to the eye rim(s) shape of the desiredeyewear frameb. Machine groove into the edged spectacle lens(es) accounting for theproper alignment of the wearer's interpupillary distance and positioningof the see-through near eye optical module relative to the wearer'seye(s) once mounted within the eyewearc. Insert and pressure mount and/or adhesively bond the see-through neareye optical module(s) within groove of the edged spectacle lens(es)d. Insert edged spectacle lens(es) having groove with the see-throughnear eye optical modules(s) into the appropriate eyewear rime. (steps c and d can be reversed and/or are interchangeable and theelectrical connection to the see-through near eye optical module(s) canbe accomplished at any point during the fabrication process)

The steps of fabricating eyewear housing see-through near eye opticalmodule(s) and eyewear lens(es).

Embodiment #4

a. Edge or shape the outer peripheral area of the see-through near eyeoptical combiner(s) for fitting in the upper section(s) of the desiredeyewear frame front's eyewear rim(s)b. Mount the shaped see-through near eye display optical module(s)having the appropriate distance optical correction and interpupillarydistance for the wearer within the upper section of the eyewear framefront rim(s)c. Edge the spectacle lens(es) and mount in the lower section of theeyewear frame front rim(s)d. Bond the lower edge of the upper section(s) to the upper edge of thelower section(s) “or” mount the upper section within the upper eyewearrim and the lower section within the lower eyewear rim (whereby therecan be an optional strap or other connection in between).e. (the electrical connection to the see-through near eye opticalmodule(s) can be accomplished at any point during the fabricationprocess)

The steps of fabricating eyewear housing see-through near eye opticalmodule(s) within eyewear lens(es).

Embodiment #5

a. Edge the eyewear lens for the shape of the eyewear frameb. Locate where a recess or cavity should be formed within the frontsurface of the eyewear lens relative to the wearer/user's pupils. Inmost, but not all cases, the location would be at or above the upperedge of the wearer/user's eye pupil. It/they would also be furtheraligned based upon the wearer/user's inter-pupillary distance.c. Fabricate the recess or cavity using, by way of example only, asingle point diamond turning mill. Such a recess or cavity can be formedwithin the front surface of the eyewear lens having the desiredfinished/polished curvature of the bottom inside surface of the recessor cavity.d. Maintain a thickness between the bottom of the inside side surface ofthe recess or cavity and the back surface curvature of the eyewear lensof, in aspects, 0.25 mm of lens thickness or greater. Such a recess orcavity should have a bottom inside surface curvature that permits thedistance power of the eyewear lens as measured at that point to be ofthe same optical power as that of the peripheral surrounding distanceoptical power of the eyewear lens. Said another way the overall opticalpower measured through the see-through near eye optical module and theeyewear lens thickness directly beneath the see-through near eye opticalmodule should be within 10% of the optical power measured in the samelocation of the eyewear lens prior to the recess or cavity beingfabricated. In a preferred case such optical power would be equal tothat of the optical power of the eyewear lens prior to the recess orcavity being fabricated.e. Optionally fabricate micro-holes within the bottom of the cavity andthrough the back surface of the lens thickness behind the cavity or acertain thickness thereof.f. Mount the see-through near eye optical combiner within the recess orcavity while maintaining a gap (for, for example, air, gas, materialspacer or a low index adhesive) under the bottom of the see-through neareye optical module and the bottom curvature of the inside surface of therecess or cavity. The mounting can be done, by way of example only, withthe use of a low index adhesive or a pressure mount in addition to thelow index adhesive. Keep the placement of the front surface of theoptical combiner conformal to that of the front surface of the eyewearlens.g. Optionally provide an anti-reflection coating and/or hard scratchresistant coating over the front surface of the near eye display and theadjacent front surface of the eyewear lens such to provide a conformalcurve.h. Optionally provide a surface cast resin layer over the front surfaceof the near eye display and the adjacent front surface of the eyewearlens such to provide a conformal curve.i. (The electrical connection to the see-through near eye opticalmodule(s) can be accomplished at any point during the fabricationprocess)j. Optionally fabricate a groove or recess in the front surface of theedged eyewear lens from a peripheral portion of the edge lens to thesee-through near eye optical module for an electrical connector (by wayof example only) a flex cable for providing electrical power to thesee-through near eye optical module to fit within.

The steps of fabricating eyewear housing see-through near eye opticalmodule(s) within eyewear lens(es).

Embodiment #6

a. Coat see-through near eye optical module with a low index coating andcureb. Select front concave curve mold of the appropriate curvature thatwill make the front surface curvature of the eyewear lensc. Fill with a layer (in aspects, less than 0.50 mm) of optical qualityresin (such resins are known in the art)d. Cure resin layer to a tacky statee. Appropriately position and attach see-through near eye optical modulefront down adjacent to the concave moldf. Apply gasket or tape and back mold (that forms the rear surface of afinished lens or semi-finished lens blank)g. Fill mold assembly with desired optical quality resin and cureh. Demold mold assemblyi. Optionally add optical coating on front and or back surface offinished lens or semi-finished lens blankj. Edge and/or surface lens blank locating the see-through near eyedisplay in the appropriate location relative to the eye(s) of the wearerk. Optionally attach electrical connection of the see-through near eyeoptical module to the appropriate connection of the eyewear or viceversa

The steps of fabricating eyewear housing see-through near eye opticalmodule(s) within eyewear lens(es).

Embodiment #7

a. Coat see-through near eye optical module with a low index coating andcureb. Select front concave curve mold of the appropriate curvature thatwill make the front surface curvature of the eyewear lensc. Fill with a layer (in aspects, less than 0.50 mm) of optical qualityresin (such resins are known in the art)d. Cure resin layer to a tacky statee. Appropriately position and attach see-through near eye optical modulefront down adjacent to the concave moldf. Utilizing, in aspects, 3D printing to print the remainder of thefinished lens or semi-finished lens blank around and/or over thesee-through near eye optical moduleg. Demold front moldh. Optionally add optical coating on front and/or back surface offinished lens or semi-finished lens blanki. Edge and/or surface lens blank locating the see-through near eyedisplay in the appropriate location relative to the eye(s) of the wearerj. Optionally attach electrical connection of the see-through near eyeoptical module to the appropriate connection of the eyewear or viceversa.

The present invention has been described with reference to particularembodiments having various features. In light of the disclosure providedabove, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the practice of the presentinvention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.One skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosed features may beused singularly, in any combination, or omitted based on therequirements and specifications of a given application or design. Whenan embodiment refers to “comprising” certain features, it is to beunderstood that the embodiments can alternatively “consist of” or“consist essentially of” any one or more of the features. Any of themethods disclosed herein can be used with any of the compositionsdisclosed herein or with any other compositions. Likewise, any of thedisclosed compositions can be used with any of the methods disclosedherein or with any other methods. Other embodiments of the inventionwill be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of thespecification and practice of the invention.

It is noted in particular that where a range of values is provided inthis specification, each value between the upper and lower limits ofthat range, to the tenth of the unit disclosed, is also specificallydisclosed. Any smaller range within the ranges disclosed or that can bederived from other endpoints disclosed are also specifically disclosedthemselves. The upper and lower limits of disclosed ranges mayindependently be included or excluded in the range as well. The singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. It is intended that the specification andexamples be considered as exemplary in nature and that variations thatdo not depart from the essence of the invention fall within the scope ofthe invention. Further, all of the references cited in this disclosureare each individually incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties and as such are intended to provide an efficient way ofsupplementing the enabling disclosure of this invention as well asprovide background detailing the level of ordinary skill in the art.

1) An Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system comprising an ophthalmiclens in optical communication with a see-through near eye opticalmodule, wherein the see-through near eye optical module comprises asee-through near eye display and a micro-lens array, wherein a portionof the back side of see-through near eye optical module is in front of aportion of the ophthalmic lens, wherein a floor or bottom portion of theophthalmic lens that is closest to the back side of see-through near eyeoptical module is curved or shaped within 20% of the front surface basecurve of the ophthalmic lens to which the see-through near eye opticalmodule has been positioned or has replaced, and wherein the backsidesize of the see-through near eye optical module is smaller in surfacearea compared to the surface area of the back side surface area of theophthalmic lens. 2) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system ofclaim 1, wherein a portion of the see-through near eye optical module isembedded within the ophthalmic lens. 3) The Augmented Reality or MixedReality system of claim 1, wherein a portion of the see-through near eyeoptical module is attached to a front surface of the ophthalmic lens. 4)The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim 1, wherein aportion of the see-through near eye optical module is located in frontof the ophthalmic lens. 5) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality systemof claim 1, wherein the ophthalmic lens has optical power. 6) TheAugmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim 1, wherein theophthalmic lens is devoid of optical power. 7) The Augmented Reality orMixed Reality system of claim 1, wherein the ophthalmic lens has a frontbase curve. 8) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim 1,wherein the see-through near eye optical module is curved within 10% ofa front surface base curve of the ophthalmic lens. 9) An AugmentedReality or Mixed Reality system comprising an ophthalmic lens in opticalcommunication with a see-through near eye optical module, wherein thesee-through near eye optical module comprises a see-through near eyedisplay and a see-through near eye micro-lens array, wherein the overalloptical power measured through the see-through near eye optical moduleand the ophthalmic lens section which is located directly behind thesee-through near eye optical module is within 10% of the same opticalpower as the distance portion of the ophthalmic lens. 10) The AugmentedReality or Mixed Reality system of claim 9, wherein all or a portion ofthe see-through near eye optical module is embedded within theophthalmic lens. 11) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system ofclaim 9, wherein all or a portion of the see-through near eye opticalmodule is attached to the front surface of the ophthalmic lens. 12) TheAugmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim 9, wherein all or aportion of the see-through near eye optical module is located in frontof the ophthalmic lens. 13) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Realitysystem of claim 9, wherein the ophthalmic lens has optical power. 14)The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim 9, wherein theophthalmic lens is devoid of optical power. 15) The Augmented Reality orMixed Reality system of claim 9, wherein the ophthalmic lens has a frontbase curve. 16) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim9, wherein the see-through near eye optical module is curved within 10%of a front surface base curve of the ophthalmic lens. 17) An AugmentedReality or Mixed Reality system comprising an ophthalmic lens in opticalcommunication with a see-through near eye optical module, wherein thesee-through near eye optical module comprises a see-through near eyedisplay and a see-through near eye micro-lens array, wherein the opticalpower measured through the see-through near eye optical module and theeyewear lens section which is located directly behind the see-throughnear eye optical module is within 20% of the same optical power as if itwas measured through the ophthalmic lens prior to any modification ofthe ophthalmic lens for attaching the see-through near eye opticalmodule. 18) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim 17,wherein a portion of the see-through near eye optical module is embeddedwithin the ophthalmic lens. 19) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Realitysystem of claim 17, wherein a portion of the see-through near eyeoptical module is attached to a front surface of the ophthalmic lens.20) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim 17, wherein aportion of the see-through near eye optical module is located in frontof the ophthalmic lens. 21) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Realitysystem of claim 17, wherein the ophthalmic lens has optical power. 22)The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim 17, wherein theophthalmic lens is devoid of optical power. 23) The Augmented Reality orMixed Reality system of claim 17, wherein the ophthalmic lens has afront base curve. 24) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system ofclaim 17, wherein the see-through near eye optical module is curvedwithin 10% of a front surface base curve of the ophthalmic lens. 25) TheAugmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim 17, wherein an areaof the ophthalmic lens located behind the embedded see-through near eyeoptical module comprises an open notch. 26) The Augmented Reality orMixed Reality system of claim 17, wherein an area of the ophthalmic lenslocated behind the embedded see-through near eye optical modulecomprises a groove. 27) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system ofclaim 17, wherein an area of the ophthalmic lens located behind theembedded see-through near eye optical module comprises a hole. 28) TheAugmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim 1, wherein an area ofthe ophthalmic lens located behind an embedded see-through near eyeoptical module comprises an open notch. 29) The Augmented Reality orMixed Reality system of claim 1, wherein an area of the ophthalmic lenslocated behind an embedded see-through near eye optical module comprisesa groove. 30) The Augmented Reality or Mixed Reality system of claim 1,wherein an area of the ophthalmic lens located behind an embeddedsee-through near eye optical module comprises a hole.